Overview

• Federal schedules for adults and children now drop a blanket COVID-19 recommendation, with older adults urged to consult clinicians before vaccination.
• Acting CDC director Jim O’Neill endorsed the move, saying “Informed consent is back” and criticizing prior universal booster guidance.
• The new guidance stems from ACIP’s unanimous vote to rely on shared clinical decision-making rather than recommending for or against COVID-19 shots.
• Major medical societies continue to advise vaccination for young children, pregnant people and others at higher risk of severe illness.
• Children under 4 are now advised to receive their first chickenpox dose as a standalone shot, reflecting higher fever-related seizure risk with the combined MMRV vaccine.